The Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling in Wolford v. Lopez within days, a decision that could reshape where licensed carriers may bring firearms across multiple states. Meanwhile, Rhode Island’s assault weapons sale and transfer ban takes effect in just six days, and a sweeping ATF regulatory overhaul continues to roll out.

Today’s Headlines

• SCOTUS — Wolford v. Lopez (Decision Imminent): The Supreme Court is expected to rule before the end of its current term on whether Hawaii’s law defaulting to “no guns” on most private property open to the public is constitutional; a ruling against Hawaii could also endanger similar laws in California, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. Source: scotus2a.com
• SCOTUS — United States v. Hemani (Decided June 18): The Court ruled 9-0 that certain prosecutions of marijuana users under the federal gun ban (18 U.S.C. §922(g)(3)) violate the Second Amendment, limiting the law’s reach as marijuana gains wider legal acceptance at the state and federal level. Source: cnbc.com
• Rhode Island — Assault Weapons Sale & Transfer Ban (Effective July 1): Beginning July 1, 2026, Rhode Island prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase, or transfer of military-style semiautomatic firearms; current owners may keep their firearms but may only transfer them to an FFL or to an out-of-state buyer who can lawfully take possession. Source: governor.ri.gov
• ATF — Form 4473 Overhaul Proposed: ATF’s proposed rule would modernize the 4473 by allowing electronic forms, doubling the NICS transaction timeframe, and tightening the requirement that any concealed carry permit used in lieu of a background check be explicitly valid and unexpired at the time of sale. Public comments are open through August 6, 2026. Source: federalregister.gov
• Colorado — Semiautomatic Firearm & Dealer Rules (Effective August 1): Buyers of most specified semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and handguns with detachable magazines must obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card beginning August 1; dealers must also obtain a new state permit from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Source: leg.colorado.gov

What This Means for Gun Owners

The pending Wolford ruling is the most immediate item to watch — it will directly affect where permit holders may legally carry in public-facing businesses across several states. Rhode Island FFLs and private sellers have less than one week to wind down covered transfers before the July 1 effective date. Anyone using a concealed carry permit to bypass a NICS check should monitor the ATF’s proposed 4473 changes, which could add an explicit validity requirement. Colorado residents purchasing semiautomatic firearms should confirm eligibility card and dealer permit requirements before any August transactions.

Key Dates to Watch

• June 25–30, 2026: SCOTUS decision expected in Wolford v. Lopez (Hawaii public-carry restrictions)
• July 1, 2026: Rhode Island assault weapons sale and transfer ban takes effect
• August 1, 2026: Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card requirement begins; new dealer permitting rules take effect
• August 4, 2026: ATF FFL eZ Check final rule takes effect
• August 6, 2026: ATF Form 4473 NPRM public comment period closes

Sources

• cnbc.com — Supreme Court limits federal gun ban for marijuana users
• scotus2a.com — Wolford v. Lopez case tracker
• governor.ri.gov — Rhode Island assault weapons sale ban
• federalregister.gov — ATF Form 4473 NPRM
• leg.colorado.gov — Colorado SB25-003

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